Japan case study - demographic change Flashcards
What is Japan’s current population and trend?
- 124 million
- declining by 0.5% per year.
What is Japan’s fertility rate?
- 1.3 children per woman
What is Japan’s life expectancy and median age?
- Life expectancy: 84.6
- median age: 49
What are the two main causes of demographic change in Japan?
Ageing population and declining birth rate.
Why is Japan’s birth rate so low?
- High living costs
- long working hours, - - delayed marriage.
Why is immigration not solving the population decline?
Strict immigration laws and cultural preference for ethnic homogeneity.
How has an ageing population affected Japan socially?
- Greater burden on the working population
- increased elderly isolation
- school and community closures in rural areas.
What are the economic effects of an ageing population in Japan?
- Labour shortages
- increased healthcare and pension costs
- slower economic growth.
What are the environmental impacts of population decline in Japan?
- Rural land abandonment
- underused urban areas.
What is the Angel Plan and New Angel Plan?
Government schemes to boost fertility by improving childcare and promoting work-life balance.
How is Japan managing its ageing workforce?
Raising retirement age and encouraging older people to keep working.
How is Japan using technology to counter labour shortages?
Investment in robots and AI for manufacturing and elderly care.
What changes has Japan made to immigration policy?
Introduced new visa categories in 2019 to attract foreign workers in key sectors.
Why is immigration still limited?
Cultural resistance and strict government controls.
How is Japan responding to rural depopulation?
- Revitalisation grants - promoting regional development
